Umhlanga

Umhlanga, meaning "place of reeds", is a town of 24,000 people (2011) on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Although it takes on the character of a Durban exurb, its significant growth due in part to its proximity to King Shaka International Airport and tourism potential has resulted in it becoming a new economic hub for Durban. It along with Durban and other surrounding Durban communities make up a collective urban area called eThekwini.

Understand

Umhlanga north beach

The city is expanding into areas near the Hawaan forest to the north which is the natural habitat of many creatures such as the vervet monkey. The monkeys often venture into the city in search of food from residents and unsuspecting tourists.

Get in

As King Shaka International Airport is only about 20 km away, Umhlanga can be easily reached via ground transport upon arrival.

Get around

You can get around by taking an Uber, a bus or meter taxi.

See

Whalebone Pier

• 1 Umhlanga KZN Sharks Board & Conference Centre, 1a Herrwood Dr, ☏ +27 31 566 0400. M-F 08ː00-16ː00. 
• 2 Whalebone Pier. You'll feel like you're walking inside a whale with this whale-skeleton designed pier. (updated Sep 2020)
• 3 O'Conner Promenade. Beachside walk. (updated Sep 2020)
• 4 uMhlanga Lighthouse. (updated Sep 2020)

uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve

• 5 uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve (Hawaan Forest), ☏ +27 31 561 3515. daily 06ː00-17ː00. Lagoons, trails, boardwalk, Iron Age shell midden, beach, opportunities for bird and other nature viewing and meditation. (updated Sep 2020)

Do

There are two beaches, Bronze Beach and Main Beach, both of which are patrolled by lifeguards throughout the day.

• 1 Umhlanga Beach. Popular beach with a bit of a rocky bottom and lighthouse and pier. (updated Sep 2020)

Buy

• 1 Gateway Theatre Of Shopping, 1 Palm Blvd. daily 09ː00-18ː00. Modelled after the Mall of America and West Edmonton Malls, this mega mall has many shops and eateries along with a theatre called Ster-Kinekor. (updated Sep 2020)
• Pearl Dawn, Lagoon Drive. South Africa's fifth-tallest building (31 storeys) includes a shopping mall.  

Eat

• Tare Panda, Shop G12, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, ☏ +27 31 566-3138, tarepanda@mweb.cco.za. M-Th 09:00-19:00, F-Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 09:00-18:00. A Japanese toy-themed restaurant. I mean seriously? What? Why in Umhlanga, South Africa? Whatever. 

Sleep

• 1 Anchor's Rest Guest House, 14 Stanley Grace Cres, ☏ +27 31 561 7380. With a pool/patio, wifi, a/c, substantial complimentary breakfast, and proximity to the beach for a rate in the mid-price range, this could be a decent stay. US$52. (updated Sep 2020)
• 2 Crooked Tree Cottage B&B, 39 Hilken Dr., ☏ +27 84 824 7684. Homestays seem to be quite popular in this neighborhood. This one also has a pool, breakfast, wifi, a/c, plus ocean views. US$38. (updated Sep 2020)
• 3 Honeypot Guesthouse, 11 Hilken Dr, Umhlanga, ☏ +27 31 561 3795. Pool, breafast, wifi, and a/c at a value-priced homestay. US$36. (updated Sep 2020)
• 4 Lavender Moon Guest House, 58 Westridge Rd, ☏ +27 83 253 0072. If you like staying at an upscaled suburban homestay, this might suit you. Has wifi and a/c and in-room coffeemaker plus a kitchen and pool available for guests. Very spacious. US$72. (updated Sep 2020)
• 5 Licorna 51, 82 Lagoon Drive Umhlanga Rocks (Lagoon Drive, up the beach from The Breakers resort), ☏ +27 31 5614157, info@umhlangaholidays.co.za. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. A 2-bedroom beachfront holiday apartment with private direct beach and promenade access. Private swimming pool, satellite television, free WiFi and Netflix. Gas braai (barbecue). Air conditioner, ceiling fans, private underground secure parking, elevator (lift) access. From R1,200 per night and up, seasonal rates, sleeps 4 persons. (updated Feb 2021)
• Umhlanga Rocks has many luxury hotels and apartments right on the beach, including the Cabana Beach Hotel, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Oyster Box Hotel, the Umhlanga Sands Hotel and Pearls of Umhlanga apartments. Many of these have views of the landmark lighthouse. It has a large increase in population during the summer months.

Stay safe

Umhlanga is one of the safest areas in the Durban area as of 2019.